When You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Freedom, excitement, and peace: these are just a few of the reasons why people love riding motorcycles. What’s not on that list of reasons? Deadly motorcycle accidents.

Yet motorcycle accidents—many involving serious injuries or even death—are all too common among those who ride. What’s worse is that many of these accidents aren’t caused by the person on the motorcycle. Instead, careless drivers cause the crashes. In those cases, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help.

In this article, we’ll explore why motorcycle accidents are so common, how you can avoid them, and what to do if you experience an accident.

Look out for Motorcycles

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are overrepresented in the number of traffic deaths. Recent research suggests that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely as car drivers and passengers to die in a traffic accident.

Why? In large part, drivers of cars, SUVs, trucks, and semis simply aren’t used to sharing the road with motorcyclists. (You may have seen the yellow “Look out for motorcycles” bumper stickers or yard signs: it’s a big problem!) The NHTSA once stated, “When motorcycles and other vehicles collide, it is usually the other (non-motorcycle) driver who violates the motorcyclist’s right of way.”

Because motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, many drivers—especially when distracted—just don’t notice them. Then, when the drivers turn, brake, or change lanes, they hit the motorcyclist, causing catastrophe. Casper & Casper’s motorcycle accident lawyers have seen case after case in which a motorcycle crash was caused by a negligent motor vehicle driver.

Of course, not all motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers of motor vehicles. However, they do tend to be the most serious. That’s because a motorcyclist is more vulnerable. There’s nothing between the rider and the other vehicle’s steel and the hard road.

For these reasons, it’s important for riders to be especially vigilant. While you can’t control the behavior of others on the road, you can drive defensively and safely.

Safety Tips for Riders

In addition to the most obvious tips—like making sure you drive sober, wearing a helmet and protective gear, and having good control of your motorcycle—there are a couple of precautions our motorcycle accident lawyers suggest:

1. Be as visible as possible. On a motorcycle, you’re harder to see. To combat this, make sure you always signal your movements, keep your headlights on (even during the day), apply reflective markings to your motorcycle, and wear reflective clothing at night. Keep lots of room between you and the vehicles around you and avoid others’ blind spots whenever possible.
2. Be expected. Even motor vehicle drivers who do look out for motorcycles can be surprised by their movements. Because of this, avoid the unexpected, like weaving in and out of lanes and riding along the shoulder—especially in heavy traffic. You’ll be safer when the drivers around you can anticipate your movements.
3. Drive defensively, especially at intersections. It’s a sad fact that many drivers just aren’t paying enough attention. Riding a motorcycle takes coordination and good judgement; meanwhile, some drivers don’t even have their hands on the steering wheel or their eyes on the road! To stay as safe as possible, always drive defensively. Obey all traffic laws and posted speed limits. Never assume that another driver has seen you or will yield the right of way.

When You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Even motorcyclists who’ve done everything right can experience a serious accident.

While we hope this never happens to you, it’s important to be prepared for that possibility.
In that case, you need to know your rights and your options.

After a serious accident caused by another driver, the first and most important thing to do is ensure the health and safety of everyone involved. If necessary, call 911 and seek medical attention. When possible, it’s a good idea to take pictures of the scene, document what happened to cause the crash, and make note of any injuries you sustained.

You might also want to consider a motorcycle accident lawyer. A serious accident can result in extensive bike damage and worse, severe injuries. When another driver has caused those injuries, you have the legal right to hold them responsible.

Having a motorcycle accident lawyer on your side can help you fight for the compensation you need to pay your bills and support yourself while you recover from your injuries. You may be awarded compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Call Casper & Casper Today

To talk with an experienced and dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer, call Casper & Casper today. We’re here for you, and we would be happy to discuss your case.

Contact us to schedule your free consultation.